The Silk Road, Moghuls, Alexander the Great - you'd never consider that all these historic locations, milestones, and personalities have influenced and really lived in the Central Asian region and Uzbekistan in unique. You'd almost certainly recall India, Afghanistan, Persia, but under no circumstances Uzbekistan. Thoughts you, the first of Moghuls - Babur - was born in what now is identified as Fergana Valley in contemporary Uzbekistan. The legendary Taj Mahal was built by a direct descendant of Babur who, you guessed it right, was born "in Uzbekistan". So there is a ton of history in this diverse land and most Uzbeks are very proud of it. Get extra info about Tours in Uzbekistan
Effectively, considering the fact that we started in Fergana valley, that is surely the least thrilling location to check out if you are searching for visual cues, let's take a look at who lives here now and regardless of whether a curious traveler will locate a thing of an interest.
For starters, archaeologists will drool over the excavation in Kuva, a tiny village some 20 miles SW of Andijan (birth location of Babur, recall him?). This excavation is rather slow, it essentially started some 50 years ago, but its significance is tough not to notice. Archaeologists dug out a 7-8th century Buddhist temple there! It absolutely doesn't look close to spectacular, but the adjacent museum tells numerous interesting stories and displays a great number of ancient artifacts.
Nearby Andijan is really a dusty tense city full of merchants, big markets as well as the only automobile manufacturing plant within the complete of Central Asia. This was a joint project of Uzbek government and now defunct South Korean Daewoo brand. Daewoo was acquired by Chevrolet so this facility manufactures local versions of older Chevys and rebadged Daewoos. Not exciting facts at all, but we've got to mention this, eh? On a optimistic note, Andijan features a fantastic artisan's corner positioned in the middle of local industry. You're undoubtedly going there having a tour guide, so they'd know where to look.
Fergana valley is named right after Fergana city. Locals proudly get in touch with it "Pearl from the East" and Wikipedia describes it as "orderly tree-shaded avenues and eye-catching blue-washed 19th century tsarist colonial-style houses" and that "the city includes a distinctly distinctive really feel from most Uzbek cities". We completely agree and this spot is often a very advisable stopover. When you are lucky, you will see an incredible collection of fine art, which they rotate infrequently in the local museum. All artists presented you can find local, and they're extremely cute followers of Russian pre- and post-WWII modern art.
On your way back to Tashkent (about 250 miles NE, 4-5 hours of crazy driving on a two lane highway, one 2000m mountain pass), which most likely be with a private driver, you may pass through Rishtan and Kokand. Rishtan is actually a compact but quite proud village. They've fantastic reasons: their ceramics and pottery are one of a kind and all hand-made. You can't evaluate this style with Delftware, however they are fairly excellent as well. A effectively educated collector will unquestionably appreciate this. Bring a lot of cash as you'd wish to purchase it all.
And lastly we are in Tashkent, Uzbekistan's capital. This can be the final least thrilling place having a weird mixture of modern steel and glass architecture and Soviet era apartment buildings. Don't go too deep within the residential locations and also you could in fact get pleasure from the capital. Restaurants and clubs are very visible, hotels are modern and low-cost and all round vibe is fairly chic.
Normally all visitors arrive in this country via Tashkent international airport as well as a very good initial impression is not what this airport is well-known for. Absolutely disorganized lines, two-three passport control officers in tiny arrivals hall, really slow customs that seem to pick on just about every local who arrives back from abroad. Granted, they bring a ton of stuff with them, and customs gets really "excited" after they noticed a Moscow arrival. You'd ought to fill out customs papers on arrival and please hold that valuable document with you till you leave the nation. Make certain you declare every little thing worthwhile you bring inside the country and be specifically careful about cash. Below no circumstance you are going to be allowed to leave Uzbekistan with much more cash than you declared on arrival. Superior point, that airport and its reality is just not what Uzbekistan is about. The country has its problems, but it is a extremely intriguing spot to explore.
This story began in Fergana valley, but the typical tourist route will take you west of Tashkent first.
Initially quit - Samarkand. One of 3 true gems you are going to locate within this country. You may get there by train, car or perhaps a everyday flight from Tashkent, but I'd propose the very first two alternatives. 150 miles of a neat highway will get you to Samarkand, a now heavily restored and clean city using a 2500 years of history. Please go to one of several informative travel websites to study detailed stories about Samarkand (and all other locations of interest) just before you arrive. Your guide will overwhelm you with details, so it's often great to prepare in advance. Read before you go! This may help appreciate the astonishing sights and you will be glad you are able to recognize the names as you follow your guide's presentation along.
Once you've visited each and every mosque, mausoleum and market in Samarkand (this could take a couple of days), your trip will likely take you to Bukhara, a surprisingly unique city! You'd anticipate the same but you'd be incorrect! Architectural marvel plus the most effective location to experience warm hospitality of locals. By the way, some words concerning the people: they may be poor, specially inside the rural regions, but quite friendly and treat each tourist because the most welcome guest. You are going to very easily make close friends together with your guide, bus or car driver, hotel employees and every single artist you'll meet within this country.
Additionally to two dozen of world class 2000 years old architectural monuments, Bukhara is well-known for family run inns and bed & breakfasts. Should you want a total immersion in the local culture, please stay in one of quite a few private B&Bs/Inns. What they may be lacking in amenities (if compared to chain hotels), they make up simply with hospitality and service. Plus the food is fantastic.
When you might be done with Bukhara and still have a handful of days of your vacation left, never ever hesitate to head to Khiva - a true masterpiece of architecture, history and culture. You'd hate the road if you decide to drive, but the destination is entirely worth it. Again, read about this spot just before you go (this website is a good example), and make sure you have your camera with you. You can be rewarded with living inside the walls of UNESCO world heritage site as one of the hotels used to be a religious school in 19th century!
The majority of tourists head back to Tashkent appropriate soon after Khiva along with a short flight would be an excellent choice. Uzbekistan has its own national airline and the airplanes are usually properly maintained and comfortable.
If exotic and ancient cultures are your "thing" you'd be pleasantly surprised in Uzbekistan. Uzbekistan really offers additional than just historic monuments and 2000 years old cities. Eco-tourism is big and nicely supported, trekking is one of the best out there, you'll be able to even go skiing - but that's another story yet to be told.
